Volume 26 No.3 November 2016

National Champions

Three students win gold at the 2016 Australian Schools’ Swimming Championships.

Grammarphones in the USA

The Grammarphones embarked upon the ‘trip of a lifetime’ across the United States of America.

Academic Success Four Year 11 students accepted into The University of Queensland Young Scholars' program.

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From the Headmaster ...................................................................................2

Academic Success ............................................................................................2

Grammar-Downlands Day and The O'Callaghan Cup .........3

New First XI Cricket Coach ........................................................................4

Boyce House Victory ......................................................................................4

Sony Children's Holiday Camp ..............................................................5

National Champions in Swimming ....................................................7

Annual Cadet Camp .......................................................................................8

From the Junior School ...............................................................................9

USA Tour, The Grammarphones .........................................................11

Take Note Concert ........................................................................................13

Japan Language and Cultural Tour .................................................15

Football Tour to Japan ...............................................................................16

Outstanding Achievement (2015 Senior Prefect) ...............16

From the President ......................................................................................17

Old Boys' Reunion Dinner 2016 .........................................................19

Old Boy News ...................................................................................................21

Obituaries ............................................................................................................25

A publication of Toowoomba Grammar School PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 435024 Margaret Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350Tel: 07 4687 2500 Fax: 07 4687 2582Email: tgs@twgs.qld.edu.au Web: www.twgs.qld.edu.auCricos Registration No: 00525D ABN 86 510 299 250

Incorporating Balliwanga, the newsletter of the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association Inc.Email: oldboys@tgsoba.org.au Web: www.tgsoba.org.auABN 38 614 918 181

www.twgs.qld.edu.au Toowoomba Grammar School @toowoombagsDownload the TGS App

Editor: Toowoomba Grammar School Publications Department

Design: Jason Seiler, Publications and Digital Media Officer

Photography: TGS Publications Department and various students and staff members

Front Cover: The First XV Rugby Team after a mudslide following their last game win against Brisbane Grammar School

Photo: Wes McRae

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The boys and staff have commented on the speed with which the year appears to end due to the intensity of the academic and co-curricular offerings we present during the term. At the end of the year the boys will be judged by a school report card outlining the number of A, B and C grades they attain. Just as important, often more so, will be our assessment of them as young men. It is a shame that school report cards do not

assess those personal qualities deemed to be so important both now and certainly in later life – integrity, honesty, compassion, loyalty, truthfulness, commitment, patience, resilience, good manners and respect to all. The pursuit of developing these qualities in our boys, also with the committed support of their parents, is a priority for the staff and one we take very seriously. If we included these personal qualities in the

boys’ report cards, I am sure that we would note the appearance of hundreds of A+’s. I continue to be immensely proud of the young men of Toowoomba Grammar School and am grateful to the staff for their dedication in seeking to develop them even further.

Peter B. HauserHeadmaster

Four Year 11 students were accepted into The University of Queensland’s Young Scholars’ Program. Also from Year 11, two students were accepted into the Queensland Youth Parliament. The National Youth Science Forum is a national program that supports students with an interest in Science-based tertiary studies. Three of our Year 12 students were accepted into this program. During the year we also commended one student for receiving a High Distinction in the University

of New South Wales (UNSW) International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Science Competition while two students received a High Distinction in the UNSW ICAS English Competition. Senior Chemistry students performed particularly well, with nine High Distinctions in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. High Distinctions were awarded to four Year 12 students and two Year 10 students in the Australian Council for Educational

Research’s Assessment of French Language. The Australian Mathematics Competition also provided pleasing results with four High Distinction awards being presented to students across Years 9 to 11. Furthermore a Year 12 student was awarded a High Distinction in the Earth and Environmental Science Australian Olympiad Competition.Academic endeavour from the boys and a commitment to doing as well as possible is an accepted feature of our School.

From the Headmaster

Academic Success

As we approach the conclusion of yet another school

year, I reflect on the personal, academic and social

development exhibited by the boys during the year. Their

enthusiasm, humour, commitment and loyalty combine

to give us, as teachers, considerable joy and vocational

fulfilment.

During the year we have celebrated the academic success of a number of our students

who gained recognition from external institutions by being awarded places in

prestigious programs.

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In 1950 the rugby competition was named “The O’Callaghan Cup” after five O’Callaghan brothers who attended Downlands College. This year Downlands College fielded a fast and highly skilled, competitive team and we were fortunate to get away with a win, 33 to 29. This victory represented our third consecutive win in the O’Callaghan Cup and the fourth in the previous five encounters. Despite this, Downlands College still retains bragging rights having won the Cup on thirty-five occasions and we have won it twenty-nine times. There have also been three draws. Across the various age levels our School recorded some massive wins in most games and no losses were recorded on the day.One of the O’Callaghan brothers, Patric, regularly travels to the annual fixture from his home state of Western Australia and he presents the Cup to the winning captain. In the first photograph taken at this year’s game is Patric O’Callaghan (left) with Colin Boyce who was the Captain of the TGS winning team in 1979 (TGS 15 d DC 11). The second photograph was taken 37 years earlier when Patric was presenting the Cup to Colin as captain of the winning TGS team. This is only one story of so many associated with the tradition of the O’Callaghan Cup since 1950.

Grammar-Downlands Day and The O’Callaghan CupA game attracting major interest in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs is the annual

rugby fixture against Downlands College. The annual rugby contests have been ongoing

since 1931 when Downlands College

was first founded except for two years

in 1942-43 during World War Two

when Downlands was used for the

war effort and their students were

transferred to Dalby.

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Boyce House VictoryThe School congratulates Boyce House on winning the Headmaster’s Shield for 2016

after a 19 year drought. Boyce House also claimed the Singing and the Swimming

Shields for 2016.

He commenced with us in August 2016. This follows the relinquishment of this role by the School’s Director of Enrolments, Mr Ben Foley, due to the impact of the cricket coaching on his Executive duties. Mr Fryer’s former employer was the Anglican Church Grammar School (‘Churchie’) where he was a teacher and Director of Cricket. He was the Coach of the Churchie GPS Cricket Premiership team in 2012. Mr Fryer has also worked within the High Performance Department with the Queensland Cricket Association (2002-2007) and, as the Emerging Players Co-ordinator, was responsible for talent identification. He has completed a Level 3 Cricket Australia High Performance course and has delivered Levels 1 and 2 Coaching courses on behalf of Cricket Australia both domestically and overseas. Also, as Head Coach of Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club, Mr Fryer’s team won both a First Grade (2012) and T20 Premiership. He has coached both the Queensland Under 15 and Under 17 teams. The School welcomes Mr Fryer, his wife and four children to Toowoomba.

New First XI Cricket CoachMr Steven Fryer has been appointed as the School’s new 1st XI Head Cricket Coach and Teacher of Physical Education and Geography.

Pictured are (L-R) Mrs Gabrielle Battersby (Boyce Day Housemaster), Mason Watts (Boyce Day House Captain), Lachlan Boyce (Boyce Boarding House Captain) and Mr Tony Wallis (Boyce Boarding Housemaster).

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Sony Children’s Holiday CampThe School hosted its tenth Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp over the recent September holidays. This Camp involves a large number of Year 11 boys volunteering their services for three days in the Term Three holidays to provide full-time care for a child with a disability.

Such disabilities may include vision

impairment, hearing impairment, cerebral

palsy, autism, attention deficit disorder,

Chron’s disease, Sanfilippo syndrome,

Aspergers syndrome, verbal communication

difficulties and so on. The essence of the

camp involves the friendship, the caring and

the compassion between the students and

the children who attend the camp that make

the camp so exceptional and inspirational. For

the Year 11 companions, this is an experience

not easily forgotten and one that can have a

significant impact on the way in which those

involved approach life. From the feedback

following the camp, this is most evident.

When asked what they gained from the camp

this year, some of the Year 11 companions

responded with the following:

Joe: I definitely gained many important life skills that would be hard to come by anywhere else. Patience, perseverance, creativity and selflessness were some of the main skills I gained from the camp. I think these skills will prove to be essential throughout my life and the Sony Camp will definitely be something I look back on for encouragement when times are tough or stressful.

William: I found the camp to be extremely rewarding in that it provided me an opportunity to develop not only my patience but also my initiative skills. I think the camp has also assisted in altering my views of people

with a disability. I learnt that Tommy was just a normal boy who wanted to have a good time.

Angus: After the camp, you get hit with the realisation of what you just completed and how much of a ripple effect it has on you, your guest and their parents. I believe that since the camp I have gained a greater ability to understand others and how my stack of assignments and homework means nothing compared to what these families go through.

Austin: For me, I believe the most beneficial experience was simply meeting and learning about the lives of these kids. It made me realise how fortunate I am and taught me how important it is to give back.

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Sony Children’s Holiday Camp

Since the introduction of the Sony Camp in 2007 at Toowoomba Grammar School, over 320 young men and 200 young women from The Glennie School and Fairholme College have cared for in excess of 275 children with a disability. The camp, based on a model from St Ignatius College, Sydney, has three key aims. It is a time of fun for the young guests, a time of growth and learning for the Year 11 companions, and a time of respite for the families of our guests. For three days, the companions are the chief carer of their

young guests and, whilst being monitored and supported by staff, they are very much in charge. Through their involvement in service activities such as the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp, we see our young men personally develop as caring, compassionate and thoughtful leaders of the future.

The School is grateful for the continued

support of our Holiday Camp from the Sony

Foundation. Their generosity in supporting

the School provide such a wonderful

learning opportunity for the boys is very

much appreciated and we look forward to a

continuing relationship with the Foundation.

Mr Timothy Kelly, the School’s Deputy

Headmaster, has co-ordinated and led

the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday

Camp at the School for the last ten years.

1. Xavier Madden (Year 11) and guest2. Jackson Cumming (Year 11) and guest3. William Schmidt (Year 11), guest and Thomas Clark (Year 11)4. Lachlan Dowling (Year 12) and guest5. Oscar Smit (Year 11) and guest

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The School had three students compete at the 2016 Australian Schools’ Swimming Championships held in tropical Darwin in September. Fraser Stewart, Joshua Smith & Simon Geldenhuys represented QLD at this competition.

National Champions in Swimming

The School’s Captain of Swimming, Dylan Stevens, was also selected but instead went on a cultural exchange to Japan with the School language tour.

The photograph below tells the tale. Simon Geldenhuys (Year 11) finished the competition with a remarkable seven national gold medals. These comprised two individual national gold medals in Under 16 years 50 metre freestyle and 200 metre backstroke and five gold medals in various relays. Simon also won two national silver medals in the Under 16 years 100 metres freestyle and 100 metres backstroke.

Also in the same age group was Joshua Smith (Year 10) who won two national gold medals in the 50 metre and 100 metre

breaststroke events. The consolation for Joshua gaining a bronze medal in the 200 metre breaststroke final was that another TGS boy won gold in this event. This honour

went to Fraser Stewart (Year 11) who is the son of the School’s full-time Junior Swim Coach, former Commonwealth Games swimmer Mr Darren Stewart.

Simon Gendenhuys summed up the National Championships meet by saying: “The Darwin trip was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the outdoor swimming pool and rooming with my mate Fraser Stewart. Having my coach there (TGS Director of Swimming, Mr Richard McLean) was also very helpful.” Darren Stewart added: “It was a very good experience, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend the carnival.”

National Gold Medallists (Left to right) Fraser Stewart, Simon Geldenhuys and Joshua Smith

"It was a very good experience,

and I'm glad I had the opportunity

to attend the carnival.”

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The camp was divided into three tiers depending on age and experience, and our unit had representatives on all three. The camp was located at Greenbank Military Training Area, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera and RAAF Amberley dependent on the tiers.

On tier one at Greenbank, the cadets learnt the basics of field craft and navigation by day and night, as well as participating in various teamwork challenges. They also had a visit to Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera and participated at the WTSS facility, the day/night facility and visited the 2nd Light Horse museum. Tier two, a more advanced camp at Greenbank, focussed on building on the skills the cadets already possessed. The cadets participated in weapons training, navigation, had a field component, visited Amberley Air Base, engineering, undertook zip lining and had UNIMOG rides to transport them to the different facilities at Greenbank. The third tier had a smaller number of cadets from the brigade taking part, including three of

us from the TGS unit. The week, intending to mimic the life of an infantry soldier with a weeklong scenario, involved long pack marches with full equipment, a survival activity, searching for Intelligence in urban environments, room clearance activities, abseiling at Kangaroo Point, an over water obstacle course, CGI shoots and live round shooting exercises. In true military style all of these activities were done with a standard issue defence rifle which the cadets were in charge of cleaning and maintaining for the week. During the week, the cadets were faced with many challenges and overcame all of them with excellent spirits … we even survived some intense PT sessions.

All in all, the week had a very positive impact on the cadets who attended and many are looking forward to going on annual camp again next year.

CUO Nathan Morgan (Year 12)

The Brigade RSM discussing construction techniques for the survival shelter

Abseiling at Kangaroo PointOver the Term Three holidays, 44 cadets and two staff members of the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet unit attended the South Queensland Brigade’s Annual Camp, which ran for the first week of the September holidays and was attended by over one thousand other cadets from the Brigade from as far as St George and Chinchilla up to Bundaberg.

Annual Cadet Camp

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Toowoomba Grammar School

From the Junior School

Junior School boys were involved in a great many endeavours during the second half of the year. Will Anderson, in Year 5, achieved first place in Queensland in Speech and Drama, earning a Barbara Sisley Award which was presented to him by the Governor of Queensland in the middle of the year.

In third term, all boys from Year 4 to Year 6 were involved in our musical performance of Shrek, with three evening performances and a matinee. Book Week occurred in August, culminating in all boys and staff dressing up in costume as characters from children’s books.

We also had visiting authors and illustrators and competitions based around reading. Book Week is one of the very best weeks of the school year and in a boys’ school, celebrating reading is essential.

His Excellency the Honourable Governor of Queensland, Paul de Jersey AC, Will Anderson and Ms Mary-Lou Fraser (TGS Teacher) at the Queensland awards for Speech and Drama

Some of the cast from Shrek, with Harry Gallagher (Fiona) and Izaak Schefe (Shrek) in the centre of the photograph

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By Scott CampbellHead of Junior School

Sporting success was achieved at a significant level in Cross Country this year. Charlie Randall and Archer Black, both in Year 5 and in the Under 10 years’ division, finished first and second respectively at our School Cross Country Carnival, at the Darling Downs’ Carnival and at the GPS Championships. At State Championships, Charlie finished in second place and Archer was third. Both boys progressed to National Championships, with Charlie finishing 2nd in Australia and Archer 19th. The boys are congratulated for their fine efforts this year.

Junior School boys continue to achieve some wonderful results in Chess. Our number 1 team finished in first place at the Toowoomba Primary Schools’ Teams Chess Tournament for the third year in a row. Our number 2 team finished the same tournament in fourth place. This is a significant achievement for both teams, given there were 104 teams from schools across Toowoomba competing in the championship. Both teams qualified for State Championships as a result.

This year has been a most positive one for Junior School boys, full of endeavour, joy and achievement.

Above: (L-R) Charlie Randall and Archer Black leading the way at GPS cross country

Above: Prep G boys and staff dressed in their book character costumes

Above: Charlie Randall and Archer Black proudly wearing their State Medals

Above: Toby Wysel dressed as Fantastic Mr Fox.

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To say the trip was a terrific success is an understatement as the boys, staff and parents experienced concert highlights, sightseeing, adventure and education on a daily basis.

After an audition process, 23 students were chosen to tour and alongside 12 staff, parents and family members departed very early in the morning from Toowoomba in the September school holidays. Being the Grammarphones, within a day at San Francisco they had already performed a number of times in airports, at scenic views etc. and noted that the American crowds were always receptive to this kind of spontaneous show.

The School’s Director of Performance and Leader of this Tour, Mr Neil Roche-Kelly, continues with the report:

Day 2 also saw our first ‘official’ concert and performance, in the San Jose area, so we headed first to the delightful seaside town of Santa Cruz for a beach rehearsal and a chance to enjoy the esplanade and funfair with a rollercoaster ride or two and to sample all sorts of fried everything. We then transferred to West Valley College for a workshop with local clinician and Jazz Performer Gus Kambeitz and a combined dinner, get together and thoroughly enjoyable concert with Lincoln High School.

The next couple of days had us enjoying all the San Francisco area has to offer with

beautiful weather allowing us to take a walk in Muir Woods with its giant redwoods (a quick performance for the rangers of course), central San Francisco with a Union Square performance, Fisherman’s wharf and several impromptu performances, cable car riding, that windy street (Lombard) and an amazing visit to Alcatraz. A performance highlight was definitely after visiting the science museum in Golden Gate Park. We transferred across to the Music Dome with its spectacular setting to perform a full set to grateful picnickers and locals.

As well as this we squeezed in two very special experiences. The first was an opportunity to workshop with Deke Sharon, known as the father of contemporary a Capella. Deke first worked with the Grammarphones three years ago in Hobart, and since then his reputation has skyrocketed with two successful ‘Pitch Perfect’ movies under his belt and a third on the way, the successful US TV series, The Sing Off and he is just about to open his first Broadway show ‘In Transit’ – an a Capella musical. The boys were suitably awed and delighted with his motivation and enthusiasm for their work. The other highlight was to visit Mountain View High School in the bay area where we had a truly wonderful combined concert experience.

From 16 September to 1 October the Grammarphones embarked upon the ‘trip of a lifetime’ with a performance tour across the United States of America.

USA TOUR THE GRAMMARPHONES

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The next day was one of our tour highlights – Disneyland! The boys had been accepted to perform at Disneyland through a successful audition process whilst in Australia. After some free time the boys met the Disneyland staff and were ushered to the Hollywood Backlot Stage where we performed to the Disneyland patrons and were very well received. The boys found it fascinating to get a glimpse of the backstage operations of the world’s most famous entertainment park.

After flying over to the Atlantic Coast and arriving at JFK Airport we stayed not in New York, but over in New Jersey, so the boys really did get to experience local life as we took the opportunity to get subway passes and spent the next few days riding the trains and subways of New York, something not too familiar for some of our Toowoomba travellers. Our days in New York were crammed solid with highlights, experiences and many, many impromptu performances.

The first of two performance highlights occurred on our day visit to Harlem where the boys got the chance to perform on the stage at arguably one of the most famous venues in the world, the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem where performers such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown have all trodden the boards.

The other ‘big one’ was a wonderful performance on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building, allowing the boys to perform to hundreds of people who either stopped to listen (many did) or pass through on their

way up higher for even more magnificent views. Many times during our performances we were joined by familiar faces of former staff (including at the Empire State Building, TGS Honorary Old Boy and longest ever serving employee of 54 years, Mrs Judy Gillies) and Old Boys travelling around and spotting the uniform. Other impromptu performances also occurred all over the city in Harlem, Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. Bryant, Highline, Battery and Central Parks were also great experiences, particularly in Central Park where we performed a Beatles song at Strawberry Fields in tribute to John Lennon and in the central tunnel area affording some of the best acoustics we have encountered in public performance.

There were two touring opportunities that stood out as highlights and we were grateful for links that made this possible. Firstly, Empire Theatre Bursary winner Sam Nester is an Australian performer who works at arguably the most famous music school in the world, the Juilliard School and a link with him meant that we were very fortunate to be able to visit this prestigious establishment, a true experience indeed.

The other touring opportunity was thanks to the Headmaster for organising for us a visit to the oldest school in the USA, The Collegiate School in New York City, founded in 1628. It was fascinating for the boys to see a private boys’ school run in an office block situation just off Central Park and we were grateful for the tour. Other visits included

the new World Trade Centre and stunning memorial, Grand Central Terminal and many other areas of NYC. We also took in Broadway performances, most notably ‘Aladdin’ and along with 50,000 Baseball mad New Yorkers went to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees defend against the Boston Red Sox.

I would particularly like to thank my accompanying members of staff, Eylece Blaikie (Head of Arts) and Michelle McCorkindale (Junior School Teacher), who worked tirelessly all tour to ensure the safety, health and happiness of our boys, our delightful tour manager Phil Hobson and Chris Gibbs and the team from World Projects USA and a wonderful set of supportive parents for their terrific work with the 23 students on tour. It was an experience we will never forget!

Neil Roche-KellyDirector of Performance

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1. Walking the streets of Harlem, NYC.

2. A performance in the Music Dome at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

3. (L-R) Mason Watts, Patrick Morrison, Hugh Hansen and Anthony Patsalou (Year 12) at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

4. Times Square, NYC

5. Santa Cruz, California

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Take Note Concert

The Clarinet Choir and Scherzo String Quartet provided Introductory music front of stage prior to our opening staged act, the Glennie Grammar Orchestra. An audience favourite was Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter featuring James Evans on Typewriter solo!Some great Spy themes were the feature for our Wind Ensemble in the form of James Bond and Peter Gunn while our Guitar Ensemble impressed with some very intricate playing of the crowd-pleaser ‘The Good, The Bad and the Ugly’.

The 2nd combined Glennie/Grammar Ensemble ‘Xpression’ performed a set of contemporary choral pieces, including the haunting ‘Living with Shadows’ composed by former TGS Director of Performance, the late Harley Mead.

The Saxophone Trio demonstrated why they were Eisteddfod winners with their Danse Espagnole and were followed by the String Orchestra who played Patterson’s String Concertino featuring as soloist our

leader of strings Andrew Lumsden. The Choir delighted with varied repertoire including the poignant Crosby, Stills and Nash song ‘Find the Cost of Freedom’ followed by two other Eisteddfod winners, the Wind Orchestra with ‘Irish Tune from County Derry’ and the String Consort with ‘LIbertango’ to bring us to interval.

The 2nd Act opened with, arguably, the crowd favourite for the evening, Harry Egerton’s arrangement of the School Song ‘Fidelis in Omnibus’ as performed by the Vivace Trio.

The stage was then cleared for two enjoyable performances, ‘Child Protection’ and ‘The Restaurant’ by members of the TiGAA Troupe and a special Dance solo by Austin Kelly ‘The Samurai’.

Next up was our newest ensemble RnBToo with a performance including the Elvis Presley favourite Jailhouse Rock, the Big Band then moved us through a number of styles including Big Band Jazz and Funk,

followed by the Saxophone ensemble with a unique arrangement of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

The Grammarphones, fresh from tour, performed a number of pieces that delighted audiences in the USA including, Bobby McFerrin with a spooky twist, ‘Don’t happy, Be Worry’. The audience was treated to a short video of the tour while our finale ensemble of the evening, RnB Band brought it all home with some Earth, Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder. Even all this amazing music wasn’t enough for some audience members who stayed behind to enjoy more pieces by the RnB Band.

I would like to congratulate all the students for their fine work on the evening and thank all the people who assisted making the night the success it was, in particular the amazing ensemble directors and their work with the musicians and actors of TGS.

On Friday, 14 October, the Arts Department was proud to present our Annual ‘Take Note’ Concert to an appreciative audience.

By Neil Roche-Kelly, Director of Performance

Pictured: Members of the Wind Ensemble (L-R) Harrison Hepner (Year 7), Jack Files (Year 7) and Harry Rogan (Year 9)

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Take Note Concert

1. Hugh Hansen (Year 12) Co-Leader of the Arts

2. RnB Too (L-R) Felix Thomason (Year 7), Julian Lachmund (Year 8) and Sam Dyer (Year 8).

3. Members from the Senior Choir

4. Members from Big Band

5. RnB Too singer John Anderson (Year 7)

6. TiGAA performers (L-R) Jacob Hicks (Year 12), Sean Johnston (Year 10), Hunter Payne (Year 10) and Kate Scott.

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After a few days of orientation in downtown Tokyo, tasting the food and traversing the intricate public transport system, the boys headed to our brother school, Keio Shiki Boys High School, for class activities and a chance to hone their language skills. All of the boys had unique experiences with their host brothers over the following four days but some participated in rugby training, met up to visit Disneyland or were led on a tour of the Tokyo Life Safety Learning Centre where they endeavoured to extinguish virtual fires, escape smoke-filled rooms and withstand simulated earthquakes.

We then headed to Hiroshima, managing to overtake a typhoon in our bullet train, before turning in for the night. Here, the group visited the sombre Hiroshima War Museum and Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Mazda Factory and Showroom and Kure Naval Museum. Activities such as hiking Mount Misen on Miyajima, singing karaoke and eating the local delicacies

of okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), grilled oysters and kakigori (shaved ice desserts) were also on the agenda.

From Hiroshima, we called Kyoto our base for four more days. After experiencing the majesty of Kiyomizudera and drinking from its lucky subterranean springs, the students visited a wild monkey park on Arashiyama, the National Aquarium in Osaka and the ancient capital of Nara, the bustling shopping district of Shinsaibashi and the crowded but adrenaline-fuelled Universal Studios Japan theme park. The budget included a food kitty allocated to boys each day so they were encouraged to go out and discover new dishes and meet the local restaurateurs. One group dinner included a very well-received all-you-could-eat meat barbecue where the boys savoured all manner of flesh including heart, liver and tripe.

After a very busy two and a half weeks, the boys were happy to relax at our traditional guesthouse in Hakone National Park at the

base of Mt Fuji. Here, we rode a replica pirate ship on Lake Ashi, glimpsed Mt Fuji (a rare thing at that time of year) and relaxed in the evening with hot spring baths, ghost stories and sweet potato and cream cheese ice creams. We then headed back to Tokyo for a few days at the close of the tour with a visit to the Museum of Science and Emerging Technology and a day trip to Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. The energy of this country and the friendliness of its people were not lost on the boys and feedback suggests it will not be the last time many of them visit its shores.

Jason ButtSenior Teacher of Japanese and Tour Leader

Japan Language and Cultural TourIn the September vacation, a group of 16 students led by Mr Jason Butt and Mr Michael Cocks travelled to Japan on a 20-day tour to experience all aspects of the country’s unique culture and way of life.

Above: The group at Todaiji Temple, Nara.

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The purpose of the tour was to compete in the prestigious Maebashi Invitational Football tournament as well visit Tokyo and St Mary’s international school. Despite lack of sleep and being in totally unfamiliar surrounds the boys were excited for the first day of the tournament. After we were made to feel extremely welcome as special guests of honour, three games awaited us. This was the 20th Anniversary of the tournament and 54 teams, including teams from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand as well as three from Australia had entered the contest.

On the first day after the official opening ceremony we were transported to our playing field. In hot and humid conditions, the boys played enterprising and attacking football, winning all three games on the day to qualify for the top half of the draw. The team was ecstatic to catch up with former TGS Residential Assistant Hiroshi and his team. Bragging rights remained with TGS following a 4-2 win.

That night staff were invited to the opening ceremony which included a Taiko drum welcome, a superb array of Japanese dishes and an introduction to the frenzy of traditional gift exchange.

If the first day was hot, then the second was continual torrential rain as we were

deluged by a typhoon. Again the boys adapted and revelled in the wet. Playing Urawa Red Diamonds, a J-league youth side, was a great experience despite the loss. The games on the last day were again played in the wet, which followed us all week, and we won both of these games to finish seventh overall and the highest ranked international team, an immense feat.

We left Maebashi amid tearful goodbyes from our homestays and took a super quick trip on the bullet train to Tokyo to meet our new hosts, St Mary’s International School. The next three days were spent with our fantastic hosts St Mary’s International School in Tokyo.

The boys spent a day in school with their St Mary’s hosts, completing lessons and answering questions about Australia. This was another great experience for both our hosts and our boys. Some teachers had posters about Australia and our boys talked about Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and all areas of Australia.

In the afternoon we played two games against

our hosts, both schools winning one game each. The next two days of sightseeing in Tokyo involved negotiating peak hour trains, braving Tokyo Disney in the wet (yes it was still raining), shopping, visiting temples and seeking the best souvenirs to take back home.

The hospitality shown to our touring group by all our homestays and the people in Japan has created opportunities for our school and we look forward to hopefully taking our boys back in 2018. St Mary’s School hope to establish a reciprocal touring opportunity.

Peter Broadfoot Director of Football and Tour Leader

He also joined the residential community of co-educational Cromwell College within the University. Riley is one of five TGS Old Boys currently at Cromwell (with a further six arriving in 2017) and is the second Senior Prefect of Toowoomba Grammar School in four years to join that College.

Riley achieved a perfect score of 7.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in his first semester at University. Riley’s

own ability and drive, along with the supportive college environment, have led to this outstanding result.

Cromwell College Principal, Mr Ross Switzer (Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boy ’77-79), said: “Riley has shown a mature and determined approach to his academic studies and to Cromwell College life in his first semester. He is an absolute credit to Grammar and to all associated with him.”

Football Tour to Japan

Outstanding Achievement Senior Prefect (2015), Riley De Jong

The 2016 Japan Football tour set off for nine days of sporting and cultural experiences with 16 Year 7/8 boys and three staff.

Riley de Jong (Senior Prefect 2015) commenced a Bachelor of Engineering degree at The University of Queensland this year.

Riley de Jong and Mr Ross Switzer at the Cromwell College Academic Dinner

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Old Boys’ ReunionThe Old Boys’ Reunion was held this year on the first week-end of September. This year we focused on the Year of the 6’s and again we had a great cross section of Old Boys going all the way back to the 1940’s.

The week-end started with a welcome function at the school on the Friday night. Over 140 Old Boys and partners attended before they ventured onto their respective year group reunions.

On the Saturday, Rugby was held at Downlands and TGS had a great day winning every game. The Firsts was an exciting game with TGS holding out in the end to win in a very tight finish. TGS scored three early tries to take a strong lead but a spirited comeback from Downlands saw them overtake TGS on the scoreboard. However, the boys in blue and gold steadied, came back and then held on to win 33-29. The TGS Old Boys’ player of the match was hooker Matthew Faessler whose strong running and deceptive speed were probably the difference between the two sides.

Given the rugby result the Reunion dinner that night was full of good cheer and enthusiasm and over 240 people attended. Our oldest Old Boy on the night was Bill Woodside (1943-46) who looked resplendent in a full Scottish kilt. One of the most famous TGS Old Boys, Ray Swan

(1953-56), attended and it was great to meet him. His sporting prowess is of course legendary and he had many tales to tell. Bill Taylor (1953-56) proposed the toast to the School and reflected on what the School stood for and had taught us and that we should never take this for granted. The Headmaster’s presentation took the Old Boys on a journey through time from the 1940’s to the current day. It reflected the significant growth the School has undergone and the wonderful achievements the School has recorded over this time.

The Reunion week-end ended with a school tour on the Sunday morning. This was hosted by the Headmaster and Mr Ben Foley (Director of Enrolments) and again was very well attended. With a new boarding house (Boyce/Taylor), the Museum and a state-of-the-art swimming pool, there was plenty for Old Boys and their respective families to see.

Business BreakfastThis year’s guest speaker at the TGS Business Breakfast was Steven Haddan (1971-75). Steve proved to be a wonderful, funny, engaging and sensitive speaker. Over 40 people attended the breakfast and were thoroughly entertained by Steve.

He spoke very fondly of the School and particularly made mention of Mr John Kennedy, a staff member during

his time at school who had made a significant difference to him. To me it appeared that one of the keys to Steve’s success was his ability to take lessons and advice from others to help him guide his own success. He was the first to admit that he had some ups and downs throughout his life but by continually being positive and taking on new ideas he has always been able to bounce back. He made special mention to us “not to worry - it will turn out all right in the end.” It’s great advice for all of us.

He has recently written a History of the Brisbane Rugby League. This book is an amazing almanac and for those of you who followed the BRL it is a wonderful reminder of the times. Steve reported that the book had sold over 14000 copies and it still hadn’t been officially released.

All the very best to Steve and many thanks to him for speaking at our Business Breakfast.

Rockhampton ReunionThe Headmaster and I had the good fortune to attend a TGS Old Boys’ Reunion in Rockhampton on Saturday. 22 October. Leon Clothier (1968-72) and Frazer Pearce (1973-77) organised the event and around 40 Old Boys and partners attended (see photograph inside-back cover).

From the PresidentBrett Priebe (1978-82)

Greetings once again from the TGS Old Boys’ Association. Since the last issue of Omnibus the Old Boys have had a busy few months and we have had a very rewarding time interacting with the School and catching up with many Old Boys.

The Official Old Boys’ Newsletter

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The response to this event was terrific and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Central Queensland area is home to many Old Boys and it goes to show that you don’t necessarily have to have these events in capital cities to attract numbers. Extraordinarily there were even Old Boys in Rockhampton who had been dealing with each other without even knowing they were Old Boys. You can imagine how surprised they were when they met up at this event.

Oldest Old Boy on the night (pictured inside-back cover) was Peter Shannon (1944-47) who came along with his wife Betty. Peter mentioned some very interesting facts about how the school infrastructure was used by the US military during the Second World War.

Vern Ezzy (1979-80), a famous Old Boy whose plaque can be seen on the Wall of Achievement, was originally from Millmerran and now resides in Emerald. He spoke of his time as a Paralympian in the ‘80s and how the Paralympic movement was eventually able to convince the Olympic authorities that the Paralympics were indeed worthy of using the Olympic name.

Leon Clothier spoke fondly of the School and particularly mentioned the “moral fibre” that every TGS Old Boy possesses. Personally I just wanted to acknowledge Leon’s efforts with this event. It was his brainchild to hold the event but more importantly it was his work rounding up everyone for which we are especially grateful. Special mention and thanks go to Linda Gibson, Leon’s partner, who helped him with the organisation.

There were quite a few boys from the golden era of TGS athletics (early 70s) and the name of Lindsay Jones (LBJ) was often raised in admiration.

Justin Stower (1981-86), who incidentally is a newly appointed TGS groundsman, attended and as ever his passion for the School never abates. I am sure he will be a wonderful addition to the School’s staff. He even gave me a look of his TGS tattoo again!

Tim (1981-82) and Joe Olive (1987-91), cattle breeders from Marlborough attended. Tim runs over 3000 breeders and mentioned that he has set up a support network for the homeless in Brisbane. Joe who was in the First XI, spoke of Ron Bourne (Deputy Headmaster late 70s and 80’s), mentioning that it was Ron who really got TGS cricket back up on top during his time as First XI coach.

There are quite a few successful businessmen residing and working in

Rockhampton. Frazer Pearce, originally from Cecil Plains, is now the editor of the local Rockhampton newspaper. Alistair Gunthorpe (1997-2001) and the youngest Old Boy attending, is a Property Valuer. Dave Cowan (1980-83) is with the ANZ Bank and George Cowan (1979-83) is a solicitor with Rees R & Sydney Jones Solicitors which claims to be oldest continually operating law firm in Australia. They can trace their history back to 1864!

John Creedon (1975-77) (Mark’s brother) who attended with his wife Leanne, is a builder in Middlemount.

Everyone was envious of John Heaps (1972-73) when he mentioned he had been sailing around the South Americas over the last few years, enjoying life at slower pace.

The list of achievements from the Old Boys who attended is endless and I apologise to those I have inadvertently left out.

The Headmaster gave a presentation on the School and I think the Old Boys were quite amazed at the development the School has undergone since they had left. The video shot by a drone really shows the School at its best.

Some Old Boys had never been back to the School since leaving. Given the distance to Toowoomba and their respective work commitments it makes sense to hold these events in the regional areas.

All in all it was a great event and well worth the visit. A lot of these Old Boys are coming to the reunion next year and all I can say is “look out”. They enjoy having a good time.

Presentation of Premiership Caps at AssemblyWith a sense of déjà vu (which we don’t mind at all mind you!), the Old Boys proudly presented this year’s First XI Football team with Premiership caps at a school assembly after the Firsts claimed a back-back premiership (tie with Nudgee College).

This is a great result for the School. As the Headmaster said during the assembly, premierships are extremely hard to come by and we should rejoice in these results. I think it’s a great testament to the Football program the School has developed and the hard work that the boys and the coaching staff are doing.

I would also like to make note of the fact that during the assembly the whole School sang the School Song with great gusto. Old Boys would be proud of how well the School continues the tradition of singing the School Song.

End of YearThere are a few more functions for the Old Boys to attend to and be part of this year including the Cadet Passing Out Parade, Cadet Dining-Out night, Year 12 pizza lunch and the Year 12 final assembly. We look forward to being part of those events before the year closes.

Many thanks to all those who have worked on the committee this year. I know all of you are either running businesses, working hard in professions and/or looking after families and finding extra time to serve on the committee is not easy. Please know that all of your efforts and hard work are very much appreciated.

Many thanks to Jennifer Fordyce who continues to support us in every way. Without her our work would be very difficult. Finally to the Headmaster thank you again for your support this year. As always the Old Boys’ Association appreciates the close relationship we have with the Headmaster. Best regards

Brett Priebe (1978-82)President TGS OBA

TGS Old Boys’ Weekend8 - 10 September 2017"Year of the Sevens" - 1947, 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007

All Old Boys and partners are welcome. More details to follow in 2017.

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Old BOyS ReUniOn dinneR2016 - Year of Sixes

1956 YEAR GROUPBack Row L-R: Bill Taylor, Rusty Coleman, Ray Swan, Brian Wippell, Joe GartnerFront Row L-R: Col Wyse, Brian Williams, Bob Johnson, John Provan, Ken Sargent

1966 YEAR GROUPBack Row L-R: Jeff Organ, Graham Turner, Paul Skerman, Allan Hamilton, Lawrie Dore, Drew McDonald, David JonesThird Row L-R: Angus McAdam, Doug Hutchison, Trevor Watters, Hugh Donaldson, Rudy Jager, Allen Parsons, Trevor McIntyreSecond Row L-R: Peter Johnson, Glenn FisherFront Row L-R: Kelvin Jones, Peter Corones, Howard Skerman, John Derrick, Manuel Behnke, Keith Bauer, Greg Anderson, Ross Stevenson

1976 YEAR GROUPBack Row L-R: Greg Gunther, Graham Blue, Greg Rashford, John Tait, Tony Sharman, David Ragh, John Sommerfield, David CustanceMiddle Row L-R: Glenn Cooper, Ian McGregor, Ian Toia, James Doyle, Peter Nelson, Terry Brennan, Simon McCord, Allen Jackson, Peter ZerkFront Row L-R: Michael Pearce, Bill Alford, Ross Ford, David Goodman, Peter Travers, Tim Glover, Raymond Cranney, Robert Turner, Glenn Faulkner

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Coming Events

Old Boys who have visited TGS since April 2016

2017Wednesday, Feb 1 Old Boys' Association

Management Committee Meeting, Old Hall, 7.30pm

Monday, Feb 13 Past Mothers' Group Morning Tea, Pavilion, 10.00am

Wednesday, Mar 1 Old Boys' Association AGM and Management Committee Meeting, Old Hall, 7.30pm

Monday, Mar 6 Old Boys' Association (Brisbane Branch) AGM

Thursday, Mar 9 School Open Day, 9.00 - 12.00pm

Friday, Mar 10 Old Boys’ Association Generations Gathering, Old Hall, 6.00pm

Friday, Mar 17 Cricket Supporters' Group Function - McGrath Foundation Fundraiser, Pavilion, 6.00pm

Friday, Mar 24 TGS P&F Art Show Opening, Assembly Hall, 6.00pm - 10.00pm

Saturday, Mar 25Sunday, Mar 26

TGS P&F Art Show, Assembly Hall, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Old BOyS ReUniOn dinneR

1986 YEAR GROUPBack Row L-R: Bill Burge, Colin Thun, Matt Crook, Paul Armstrong, Spencer Morgan, Glenn Page

Third Row L-R: Scott Mayall, Grant Sundin, Geoff Ila, Ross Olive, Scott Coventry, Will Officer, Jason

Burey, Jason Schutt, Justin Debney

Second Row L-R: Jason Darlington, Henry Thomson, Andrew Gray, Darryl Pedler, Jamie Deacon

Front Row L-R: Stephen Dryden, Justin Stower, Peter Taaffe, Russell Green, Brian Dumcombe,

David McDonald, Guy Shannon and Rian Morgan

2006 YEAR GROUPBack Row L-R: Marcus Robotham, Rob Gillingham, Donovan Baker, Stuart Valdal, Josh Poynter, Justin Vivers, Mitchell Coughran, Dugald Macleod, Dan Riddell, Matthew DennisThird Row L-R: Jake O'Brien, Nathan Braden, Toby Tapscott, Simon Dennis, Alec Mackenzie, Matt Chambers, Angus ElderSecond Row L-R: Alex Colquhoun, Nathan Hewitt, Stuart Young, Jack Michelmore, Angus MacDiarmid, Tom Inch, Peter Burns, Doug Gibson, Sam KoningFront Row L-R: Toby Mott, Mitch Hogan, Ned Whip, James Prendergast, Matt Tait, Nick Warner, Dirk Boyce

Rusty Coleman, Bill Taylor and Ian Dumigan

Joshua Williams, Adelaide

Peter Wilson, Toowoomba

Waverley Stanley, Clagiraba

Ken Kelly, Warwick

John Rush, Kings Beach

John Kessler, Toowoomba

Raoul Thomason, Kaleen ACT

Ian Doyle, Birdsville

Ray Swan, Joyner

Joe Gartner, West End

Nathan Dennys, Calico Creek

Rex Carney, Gympie

Scott Kelly, Northgate

John Coleman, Jandowae

Ian Nicol, Injune

Chris Stephenson, Cairns

John Blackburn, Camp Hill

Ben Howard, Highfields

Dudley Venables, Watson, ACT

Rod Swartz, London, UK

Steve Haddan, Hawthorne

Gavin Corlett, Palmwoods

Scott Beatty, Murphy’s Creek

BirthsSidney Chambers (2000-04) and Liz, a son,

Mason Thomas in August 2016

Danny Beresford (2002-04) and Renee, a son, Max Archer in September 2016

Wil Hamilton (2004-09) and Sarah, a son, Charles Wil in October 2016

DeathsRobert (Bob) Cairns (1954-55) in May 2016

Treveren (Trev) Liesegang (1944-48) in August 2016, a member of the “Invincibles”

1948 First XV

Mervyn (Merv) Sanders (1938-40) in August 2016

Peter McDougall (1995-99) in August 2016

Ian Seaniger (1969-73) in August 2016

Hector (Richard) Handley (1951) in August 2016

James (Jim) King (1973-75) in September 2016

Commodore (Rtd) Peter McKay (1951-53) in September 2016

Max Wilson (1942-45) in September 2016

Alan Baskerville (1938-40) in September 2016

Ross Gilkeson (1960-63) in October 2016

MarriagesHayden Schofield (2005-09)

to Ellen Desmarchelier in June 2015

Cameron Meurant (1998-2004) to Leonie Hill in April 2016

Heath Glover (1999-2003) to Catherine Hosking in July 2016

Scott Meurant (2003-07 to Samantha Walton in August 2016

Harrison Humphries (2001-05 ) to Chantelle Cross in October 2016

EngagementsTom Speed (2007-10)

to Bri Ladbrook in September 2016

Andrew Skewes (2003-08) to Hollie Bryant in September 2016

Robert Thallon (1993-97) to Sarah Becker in September 2016

Charles Booth (2003-06) to Jacynta Baker in October 2016

Tim Wilson and Peter Todd (both 1987-91) are working for the CSIRO at the Paul Wild Observatory near Narrabri, NSW. Tim is the Principal Engineer and Peter the Facilities Manager. Tim also works at the “Dish” at Parkes and has been involved in the design and construction of the ASKAP Telescope in Western Australia. Tim said that Old Boys or current families who may be in the area are invited to drop in at Parkes or Narrabri for a special tour.

Stephen Cameron (1991-95) is the rural division manager for Herron Todd White in the Toowoomba and Roma regions.

The Commonwealth Bank has appointed Bruce McConnel (1994-98) as regional manager of its specialist regional and

agribusiness banking team in south-west Queensland. Bruce has more than 15 years’ experience in agribusiness and regional commercial banking and has worked in many locations in Queensland and interstate.

Will Clift (2013-14) features in an advertisement for the Australian Institute of Music, Melbourne Campus where he is currently studying. (https://youtu.be/o5LBJHPQlTs) Further to Will competing in the U20 National Rugby Championships at the start of 2016, he has been training with the Melbourne Rising Squad and they will play in the National Rugby Championships shortly. Will certainly possesses all round talent.

We were delighted that John Blackburn (1943-46) and his wife Del visited the School in September. They are living in Brisbane and were having a short stay in Toowoomba to see the carnival gardens and some of John’s old haunts. Their son Robert also attended the School as a boarder from 1973 to 1977. John said that his trips as a boarder from Macknade (near Ingham) to the School were very long and sometimes a group of boarders from TGS would go by train from Helidon to Brisbane and then have to wait for the rest

Old Boy News

Births, Deaths, Engagements & Marriages

Do you have a story to share?We are always looking for articles to publish about our Old Boys. For more

information please contact Jennifer Fordyce in the School Associations' Office. Email: j.fordyce@twgs.qld.edu.au Phone: (07) 4687 2579

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of the night at Roma Street Station before the train heading north left in the morning. He also recalled having to use ration books for basic supplies and that his mother had a seamstress on a neighbouring farm make his school shirts as many items were in short supply during the war. John worked as a chartered accountant and has had a lifelong interest in boats. He and Del still have a boat which is moored at Jacob’s Well.

Murray Hobbs (1971-75) travelled to Germany to celebrate his brother Warren’s (1974-78) birthday. They are pictured at Oberfranken enjoying a garden party to mark the occasion.

Michael McKenna (1988-92) has opened a new dessert-inspired café in one of Toowoomba’s laneways. It is called The 3rd Monkey and it is located in Club Lane. It is like many Melbourne eateries and patrons will be able to enjoy locally sourced desserts, cakes and coffees in an industrial setting. Michael is also adding a wine bar at the rear of his café which he said was the location of McDonald & Rosbrook many years ago.

Following in his brother Kiel (1997-2001) and sister Hope’s international footsteps, Liam Brown (2000-04) is in France playing hockey with national champions Lille. Last year he reached a career milestone, notching up more than 200 games for Toowoomba Norths and Brisbane side Bulimba. Liam is hoping that this experience will enable him to follow an international career in Europe.

Scott Dunlop (1988-92) and his wife Rebecca from Proston went to the Brisbane Exhibition to show their Santa Gertrudis

bull Dunlop Pilgrim and he was sashed the Grand Champion. Dunlop Pilgrim weighed in at 1132kg and the judge commented on his structural soundness. He was also senior champion bull at the Wandoan Feature Show earlier this year.

Dudley Venables (1954-55) visited the School in September with his daughter and grandchildren. His parents were travelling around Australia working when he was at school so when they settled back in Ingham he returned home. He started an apprenticeship as an auto electrician with his father’s business before joining the Army when he was 21. He was in the Infantry Corps and did two tours to Vietnam at which time his hearing deteriorated so he didn’t return to the Infantry. After 23 years in the Army, he worked for the Public Service in Canberra and had three children, two boys and a girl. Dudley mentioned that when he was in the CMF in Ingham, Syd Gardner (1947-50) was his platoon commander.

Alexander Mason (1995-99) received a “New Voice” in School Leadership Scholarship from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders in September 2016. He is a fourth year teacher of History and English at Grace Lutheran College which has campuses at Rothwell and Caboolture. In 2012, he

changed vocations from construction lawyer to educator where he works to ensure potential high achievers are challenged and supported. Alexander was the leader of Freshney House in 1999 and he credits his career change to great advice he received from Mrs Lynne Yeabsley, then Freshney’s Housemaster.

Donald Dudman (1950-51) lives in Bundaberg and he has been teaching young people the rudiments of being a bandsman by giving drumming instruction. He has been a Unit Support Volunteer with TSBundaberg and the Navy Cadets since 2008. Don was awarded a Director General Australian Navy Cadets Commendation by G.J. Geraghty AM, Commodore, RANR, Director General Australian Navy Cadets on 12 February 2014 which he said was a real surprise to him. He gratefully accepted the award and felt really proud to receive it. Don believes in the work of all Cadet units, Navy, Army and Air Force, that is done for the youth and future leaders of our country.

Heath Glover (1999-2003) (pictured) married Catherine Hosking at the All Hallows’ School Chapel on 2 July 2016 and his best man was Walter Clewett (1999-2003). Heath is the son of Graham Glover (1962-65).

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John Saunders (1945-48) sent an email to advise of the passing of Max Wilson (1942-45) in September 2016. John wrote that he had fond memories of Max who was a House Prefect at Beresford in 1945. He had very poor eyesight and wore glasses with strong lenses. Max was a member of the 1st XV football team and when playing against Downlands he ran in the wrong direction. With much shouting from his team mates he turned around and scored a try. John had worked with Max in the lighting industry so they had continued their association after school.

Samantha Meurant sent an email to let us know about her wedding to Scott Meurant (2003-07) at Adora Downs, Mt Tyson in August 2016. A guest list of sixteen Old Boys highlights Scott’s strong connections with friends made at boarding school in Taylor House. They are pictured left to right: Angus McAlpine (2002-10), Will Brett (2006-10), Jonson Schwerin (2003-07), Kieran Wilkie (2000-07), Simon Mobbs (2003-07), Lachlan Rudd (2003-07), Tom Rudd (2006-07), Jarred Dean (2002-07), Scott Meurant, Samantha Meurant (née Walton), Jack Mackenzie (2003-07), Cameron Meurant (1998-2004), Andrew Palmer (2000-07), Clinton Broadbent (2003-05), Allister Macdonald (2003-07), Ashton Boully (2003-07), David Brett (2004-08) and Tom O’Kane (2005-10).

Lieutenant Alec Mackenzie (2000-06) is a helicopter pilot at the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre. He said he was privileged to be able to land on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval in mid-October and to take cadets on a ride in the helicopter. The lucky cadets were the winners of the Tri-Service competition.

Dominic Cansdale (2003-08) is a journalist for ABC Wide Bay and is based in Bundaberg. He reports for radio, TV and online.

Tom Baskerville advised that his father, Alan Henry Baskerville (1938-40) passed away on 4 October 2016 and sent us a short story that his father had penned. An abridged version of this story is included here for your enjoyment. It relates to a mischievous incident but one which involved Old Boys who gave their lives for their country in World War II.

“The Saturday Book - This was an exercise book, suitably ruled, that was kept in the Masters' Common Room. In it were recorded the names of boys who, during the week, had been awarded a Saturday detention. This may have been for some misbehaviour in class or for neglecting to complete an allotted task. The Saturday had to be worked out under supervision at School between 9am and 12 noon on the forthcoming Saturday and, on the preceding Friday assembly, the names of the miscreants were solemnly read out from the platform by one of the masters. There was a further dimension. If a boy earned two Saturdays in the one week, not only did he have to work them out on consecutive Saturdays, but he also earned himself a visit to the Headmaster's study where he collected the further imposition of two to four lashes across his backside from the boss. On this

week, Tudberry II (he had a twin brother at school who was Tudberry I), Wolfe and Frizzell each had three Saturdays recorded before Friday. This was serious business. 'Harry' would not be in a good mood nor did the prospect of three consecutive detentions please. Some decisive action was needed and needed quickly. On Thursday night, when all

were asleep in their respective dormitories, these three arose like ghosts, dressed, crept down to the Masters' Common Room and stole the Saturday book, thereby conferring a blessing not only upon themselves but also on the other boys whose names were recorded for that week - an unmerited favour that was duly acknowledged in the Friday assembly when no Saturdays could be read out. With their ill-gotten gain safely secured by one of them, our three musketeers stole down to the bike shed, appropriated three bikes owned either by boarders or by day-boys who had not taken them home, and rode through the night some twenty miles to Wolfe's farm where they buried the Saturday Book. Then they rode back and arrived just before breakfast. With sheepish looks they took their respective places at the table but, before the repast was over, the 'buzz' had gone around the room and their nocturnal exploit and the blow they had struck in the name of freedom became common knowledge. At the time, no one thought it unusual that they had ridden forty miles to accomplish something that might just have easily been done within the confines of the school's 50 acres. But boys don't think with an adult's logic. That Saturday Book was dead and gone, buried, never to be remembered again. What puzzled the masters who conducted classes on the Friday, and delighted the boys who were in them, was that, one after the other, at various

times and in various classes, Tudberry, Wolfe and Frizzell dozed off to sleep in the middle of the lesson and had to be prodded each time into wakefulness. For this exploit, if for no other reason, their names have lived for evermore in the memories of their school mates. Sadly, two of them have an even wider memorial. Bill Tudberry (1938-40) was killed

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on the night of 29 June 1944 in an attack against the railway yards at Blainville and Metz, and Cecil Frizzell (1938-39) died on 5 December 1943 when his Lancaster crashed on take-off at Waddington in England. Both were Air-Gunners serving with RAF Bomber Command.”

We thank Tom for sharing this story with us. His father was a Flying Officer in the Second World War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Tom also recently sent two letters that Headmaster Barbour had written to his father when he was stationed in England.

Gavin Corlett (1981-85) returned from the Middle East to Australia in July 2015 with his family to settle on the Sunshine Coast. After leaving school he returned to PNG and worked for an engineering company before his parents suggested that he attend an engineering college near Oxford, UK. Gavin studied agricultural mechanical engineering for four years and then decided that it wasn’t the career for him. He was interested in commercial diving so he went to New Zealand to complete a three month course before returning to the UK where he was required to do another three month diving course at Falmouth in Cornwall before being able to work in the industry. Gavin then went to Abu Dhabi before securing his first diving job in Qatar and he continued his diving career for another eight years. He met his Belgian wife in Dubai and worked offshore for three months on, one month off. Working for a water pumping company for five years followed which involved a lot of travel in the Middle East. They then started a marine engineering business of their own which spanned twelve years. During this time their three sons, including twins, were born. After relocating to the Sunshine Coast, Gavin has now started a business involving drones which will have many and varied applications in the future.

Tim Dashwood (1997-2002) has played his wittiest and darkest role yet as Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights at the Empire Theatre in June. Edgar Linton is caught in a love triangle between Catherine and Heathcliff. Tim’s character speaks in a semi-poetic language during the play which takes an interesting look at bad relationships, domestic abuse and emotional blackmail.

Steve Haddan (1971-75) has released a book titled “Our Game: The Celebration of Brisbane Rugby League 1909-1987”. The book is very entertaining with previously unknown or unreported facts being revealed through Steve’s meticulous research and more than 100 interviews. Steve Haddan was the guest speaker at the Old Boys’ Business Breakfast held in Toowoomba on 14 October, and he shared life stories and his passion for the game of rugby league since he was a youngster. Many guests at the breakfast purchased his book which is now available in bookstores.

There was a lot of catching up to be done when Syd Gardner (1947-50), Ivan Board (1961-64), Dal Skirving (1961-64) and their wives met for lunch at the Headland Golf Club in Buderim during October.

L-R Ivan Board, Patsy Gardner, Sue Board, Lil Skirving, Dal Skirving, Syd Gardner

Two Old Boys have been trusted with maintaining and enhancing the appearance of our School ovals and wickets. Recently Old Boy, Danny Beresford (2002-04) has been promoted by the Headmaster to the position of Grounds Co-ordinator following his excellent work as a Groundsman at the School. To replace Danny in his former role is Old Boy Justin Stower (1981-86) who has had sound experience in the preparation of first-class turf cricket wickets. We are sure that the Old Boys will be very pleased with the efforts of Danny and Justin.

Following news on Jack Devine (2009-13) in the August edition of Balliwanga, he is the Pipe and Drum Major of the Australian

Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Band and he has had many opportunities to perform for the Military including the “Tattoo”. He was the lone piper in Canberra at the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.

Dr William Yates (2004-08) will be the Guest Speaker at this year's Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba in November. In 2017, William will be working at the Sydney Eye Hospital.

TGS OLD BOYS REUNION, ROCKHAMPTON

Our current boys can learn from the passion and interest shown in the School by Old Boys living in Rockhampton and the Central Highlands. On Saturday, 22 October the Headmaster, Mr Peter Hauser, and the

President of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr Brett Priebe, flew to Rockhampton to be the guest speakers at a TGS Old Boys’ Reunion. The evening was a roaring success with 29 Old Boys and their partners/wives in attendance. In true blue and gold spirit, traditions were upheld. Our current boys can take inspiration from the oldest Old Boy present at the evening, Mr Peter Shannon, who attended our School from 1944-47. Mr Shannon and his wife Betty travelled in from Goovigen to attend the reunion and he passionately led the war cry.

Event organiser, Mr Leon Clothier (1968-72) is to be commended on his enthusiasm and love of the School.

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Ian was born on 8 September 1945 in Sydney, the youngest of three boys. His parents were married in Salamaua PNG and in 1946, the family moved to Cronulla NSW.

In 1950, the family moved to Glen Aplin on the Granite Belt where Ian started school. After a relative’s death, the family moved to help run a plantation in Wau, PNG where Ian continued his primary education. When around 13 years old, Ian went to boarding school in Australia, firstly at All Souls in Charters Towers and for Years 11 and 12 Ian went to Toowoomba Grammar School (1962-64).

On leaving school Ian completed one year at University before working for Fred Murray and Associates in Nambour as an assistant surveyor. Ian met Fred’s son Mark while at TGS and through the Murrays, he met Gaye Glanville in 1966. They were engaged in 1968 and married in 1970. Ian completed his Certificate of Surveying by correspondence and during this time Ian’s two children, Wendy (1974) and Luke (1978) were born.

In 1979, Ian and family moved to Brisbane

so Ian could go to University to study for his Bachelor of Engineering Surveying which he completed in three years. In late 1981, the family moved to Roma where Ian was a surveyor for MJ Hedges and Associates. He did a lot of surveying work for oil and gas company Hartogen and eventually went to work for them permanently in 1987. Hartogen was taken over by Oil Company of Australia (OCA) where Ian continued to work and OCA was eventually absorbed by Origin Energy around 2001. He managed operations of oil and gas fields in the Surat and Eromanga basins in southwest Queensland and his job expanded over the years to include environmental management, workplace health and safety, and cultural heritage.

In the early 1990s, the family moved to Brisbane and Ian worked for OCA/Origin and during this time, Ian completed his Masters of Environmental Management in 1998. He worked for Origin Energy until 2007 and he then set up his own consultancy and worked in this capacity for the EPA, Carpentaria Gold,

Arrow Energy, Origin, Panax Geothermal and finally for Zerogen, until 2010 when he was diagnosed with a very rare sarcoma.

One of Ian’s great loves was rugby union and league, although he could play most sports well without much effort. He played for the 1st XV in his three years at TGS mainly at 5/8 though he was also a very competent halfback, being selected in that position for the combined GPS 3rd XV in 1962. After school he played Rugby League and for many years he played for All Whites in Nambour as well as in representative teams.

Ian loved to go walking and camping in the bush. He did several trips to the Victorian high country and to various spots around SE Queensland. This culminated in his walking the Black Cat Trail in PNG in 2012 but eventually bad knees put a stop to these adventures.

In July 2015, Ian moved to Buderim where he spent the last months of his life. Here he lived quietly with his family and finally began working on his train set. Ian passed away on 24 April 2016.

Born in Cairns in 1936, Peter McKay was the youngest son of Ronald and Dorothy McKay. He and his brother Donald enjoyed a happy childhood in Queensland when they were evacuated from Brisbane to live with their Palmer family cousins in Chinchilla as Queensland was under threat of attack by the Japanese.

After the war, the family settled in Toowoomba and Peter’s friends from school days at Toowoomba Grammar School remained life-long friends. Keith Denton (1951-52) and Peter entered the Royal Australian Naval College together in 1953; shared a flat in Sydney together as bachelors while on sea-going postings; and until Keith’s recent death, telephoned regularly whenever the Reds played the Brumbies.

Lifelong friend David Stanton (1951-54) and his wife, Elizabeth were among the first to call to offer their condolences after Peter died. Elizabeth and Peter sat next to each other at Toowoomba North State School.

Much later, while living in retirement in Canberra, Peter renewed his friendship with Dick Honor, who had taught him at TGS prior to eventually teaching also at the Royal Australian Naval College at Flinders in Victoria. Dick and

Peter derived much pleasure from reminiscing over their shared TGS and RAN experiences.

After graduating as dux at the Royal Australian Naval College in 1955, Peter proceeded to the United Kingdom for further training in HMS Triumph and at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. His many appointments during his 39 years in the RAN included two and a half years’ sea-going service with the Royal Malaysian Navy during the period of Indonesia’s Confrontation with Malaysia in the early 1960s, and two and a half years as the Executive Officer of HMAS Duchess. In 1973, as a junior Commander, he was posted in command of HMAS Tarangau (the RAN’s patrol boat base on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea) and to oversee the Base’s orderly transfer to the PNG Defence Force prior to independence in 1975.

Peter commanded the RAN Fleet Tanker HMAS Supply and the Recruit Training establishment HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia in the 1980s. Early in 1983 he undertook a secondment to the UNHCR in Geneva and Bangkok to audit the operational and organisational performance and funding adequacy of a UN sponsored south-east Asian anti-piracy programme for the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea. Other appointments as

Captain and Commodore included two years with Defence’s Strategic and International Policy Division and three years as Director-General, Naval Equipment Projects, which involved the management oversight of major acquisitions such as Harpoon missiles and Seahawk helicopters. At retirement in 1992, Peter was the Commandant of the Australian Joint Services Staff College in Canberra. As a Commodore (Brigadier equivalent), Peter was the most senior Naval old boy of the seaman branch to have served in the RAN and is recognised on the School’s Wall of Achievement.

In 1970 in Geelong, Victoria, Peter married Lesley, the sister of friend and naval colleague Hamish MacGowan, with whom he had served in Malaysia. Their eldest son Alexander was born in Canberra in 1971. James was born in January, 1973 just three weeks after they arrived on Manus Island.

Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1993 but he still managed to follow the Brumbies and Wallabies.

After suffering a stroke in December 2014, Peter lived at Sir Leslie Morshead Manor, an RSL residential aged care facility at Lyneham, ACT, and received wonderful care until he passed away on 10 September 2016.

Obituaries

IAN RICHARD COOK (at TGS 1962-64)

VALE COMMODORE PETER DUNCAN MCKAY, RAN (Ret’d) (at TGS 1951-53)

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Obituaries

TGS Old Boy Alec Mackenzie (2000-06) landing on Old Boys' Memorial Oval

'King' Wally Lewis congratulating the First XV on a fine win over Churchie in August

Old Boys' Reunion, Rockhampton, October 2016